CT: The Ex-Boyfriend’s Sweatshirt of the Challenge

Not going to lie, I can be super petty. So, this article is out there for the person who told me that the Challenge isn’t sports on my series comparing NFL players to Challengers, because a comparison is a comparison.

CT: The Ex-Boyfriends Sweatshirt of the Challenge

I have so much clothing, probably way too much clothing. But, even when I finally get to Marie Kondo-ing my closet, there is one thing I know I won’t get rid of: my ex’s sweatshirt. It’s giant and gray with a faded SMU logo, and it’s the best thing that I own. I know nothing about what the producers are hiding in their closets, but I know they have the same sort of attachment to CT as I have to my sweatshirt.

The Past

There are a lot of memories associated with my sweatshirt, and although the more recent ones are happy, the ones actually associated with its previous owner are kind of ugly. There were fights, and many more moments that I don’t love to remember. But, personal history isn’t always pretty, which is something CT knows better than most. There are moments from his past on the show that make him look terrible, but those moments do not define him. As fans, we have seen him grow, fall in love, and go through more pain than I would wish on anyone. No matter how many seasons that he is on, no one can argue that he earned his place on our TVs.

The Present

Just like the irreplaceable comfort I get from my big, old sweatshirt, the producers of the Challenge are comfortable with casting CT. He is consistent with solid confessionals and creating storylines. The producers know that no matter how many seasons they cast him on, the majority of fans will not only be excited, but will root for him to win. Although casting CT isn’t exciting, he’s dependable, which is hard to find with reality tv contestants. Some people may say he is too old or worn out, but he keeps proving that not to be the case.

The Future

There are many who say that keeping a sweatshirt around with that much history is a bad idea. People get jealous or pull up the past. In CT’s case, people call him old and boring, even though he is still out there winning seasons. So, when is it time to move on? Is Ct’s time on the Challenge as tired as the fraying sleeves of my sweatshirt, or does his reliability and star power give a pass that many other competitors don’t get?